Pectus Excavatum

What is Pectus Excavatum?

Pectus Excavatum is the most common chest wall deformity seen in children. PE is also called sunken chest or funnel chest. It is a abnormality of the chest characterized by depression of the lower part of the sternum (breastbone) caused by an overgrowth of cartilage between the ribs and the sternum pushing inward. The most recessed or deepest area is most often the point where the chest and abdomen meet. More severe depressions can cause the heart to be displaced to the left and cause pressure on the pulmonary artery, which carries blood from the heart to the lungs.

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